Longtime Barrie-area entrepreneur is preparing for a national moment in the spotlight.
Dawn Mucci, founder of Lice Squad, recently appeared on a taping of CBC’s Dragon’s Den as part of the show’s milestone 20th anniversary season. Her episode is set to air January 8 at 8 p.m. on CBC, giving viewers a glimpse into a business that has quietly made a big impact in communities across Canada — including Barrie and Innisfil.
Mucci, who has been running Lice Squad for nearly 25 years, said applying to the show felt like the right move at the right time.
“I’ve watched it religiously for 19 years, and I thought if ever there was a time to apply to be on it, it should be for their milestone 20th anniversary,” she said, calling Dragon’s Den “an iconic show” that has helped countless entrepreneurs grow their ideas.
While Mucci is sworn to secrecy about the outcome of her pitch, she was candid about the experience of standing in the Den itself. Despite years of media appearances promoting her business, she admitted the nerves were real.
“It is hot in that den,” Mucci said. “Standing in front of the calibre of entrepreneurs on that stage was really overwhelming for me. I was very nervous.”
- video courtesy CBC Dragon's Den
Lice Squad is best known for in-home & in-clinic lice removal services - including haircuts - to people who can’t access traditional salons. Mucci told Barrie 360 she went into the Den not just to pitch a new product, but to showcase the full scope of what the company does, including a newly launched specialty salon designed specifically for children with sensory sensitivities.
“It’s something that is of value to all communities across Canada,” she said, noting that an estimated 2.5 million people each year need services like the ones Lice Squad provides.
Beyond the national exposure, Mucci says her success is rooted locally. With roughly 30 locations now operating, she credits the Barrie and Innisfil communities for helping Lice Squad grow.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of community,” she said. “I just want to give a big thank you.”
For aspiring entrepreneurs considering Dragon’s Den, Mucci’s advice is simple: prepare and be brave. “Do your homework, get your numbers right, and just be brave and bold,” she said. “Don’t let fear hold you back — fear of failure or of success.”
More information about Lice Squad can be found at licesquad.com or superherokids.ca.
Listen below to our interview with Dawn Mucci, which begins at the 58:13 mark.
